What is the difference between the ‘morning after pill’ and the abortion pill?

The ‘morning after pill’ is not the same as the 'abortion pill'. The main difference is that the morning after pill prevents a pregnancy, which is why it does not cause an abortion.

The ‘morning after pill’ is an emergency contraceptive. There is usually just one pill to take. The sooner you take the morning after pill, the greater the chances of avoiding pregnancy. A medical abortion (or “abortion pill” as it sometimes called) involves taking two different types of medicine - mifepristone and misoprostol - at different times, to end an existing pregnancy. Keep reading to find out more about the difference between the ‘morning after pill’ and the abortion pill.

The ‘morning after pill’ is an emergency contraceptive: though often called the morning after pill, it can actually be taken up to 96 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex to prevent a pregnancy. It is a progesterone-only hormone pill and works by delaying the release of an egg from an ovary, therefore preventing pregnancy. There is usually just one pill to take. The sooner you take the morning after pill, the greater the chances of avoiding pregnancy.

A medical abortion (or “abortion pill” as it sometimes called) involves taking two different types of medicine - mifepristone and misoprostol - at different times, to end an existing pregnancy. At MSI Reproductive Choices you can use this method of abortion up to 9 weeks + 6 days of pregnancy.

The ‘morning after pill’ is an emergency contraceptive

There is usually just one pill to take.

The abortion pill ends a pregnancy

There are two different types of medicine to take at different times.

The Abortion Pill (Medical Abortion)

If you are pregnant and don't want to be, you can call us anytime to discuss your options. We provide free counselling services for anyone who would like to talk through their abortion options before booking their consultation appointment.

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Emergency contraception methods

There are 3 types of emergency contraception:

the emergency contraceptive pill Levonorgestrel (LNG), also known as Levonelle: it can be taken within 72 hours (three days) of unprotected sex, although the sooner it is taken, the more effective it will be.
the emergency contraceptive pill Ulipristal Acetate (UPA) also known as Ellaone: this can be taken within 120 hours (five days) of unprotected sex.
the intrauterine device (IUD or coil): this is the most effective emergency contraception and can be fitted up to 120 hours or 5 days after unprotected sex. A copper coil is a small, T-shaped plastic and copper device that can provide contraceptive protection for up to ten years. One of the benefits of using the IUD is that, once fitted, you can then choose to continue to use it as an on-going form of contraception. Long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods offer excellent protection against pregnancy, ranging from three months up to ten years. They're ideal if you know that you do not want to have children for a while.

There are a number of factors that may affect which of the emergency contraceptive pills (Levonorgestrel or Ulipristal Acetate) is right for you – for example, your medical history, weight, or if you are breastfeeding. When you seek emergency contraception, a healthcare professional will ask you questions and assess which method will be the most effective.

Read more about emergency contraception and IUD on the NHS website: Emergency contraception (morning after pill, IUD) - Your contraception guide.

What is the most effective form of emergency contraception?

Because the morning after pill is unlikely to be effective when taken after ovulation, the most effective form of emergency contraception is the intrauterine device (IUD), also known as the coil.

The IUD can be inserted up to five days after unprotected sex, or up to five days after the earliest time you could have ovulated (released an egg), to prevent pregnancy.

MSI UK nurse holding a contraceptive coil

How the IUD works as emergency contraception

The intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, T-shaped plastic and copper device that's put into your womb (uterus) by a doctor or nurse. It releases copper to stop the egg implanting in your womb or being fertilised.

The IUD can be inserted up to five days after unprotected sex, or up to five days after the earliest time you could have ovulated (released an egg), to prevent pregnancy.

You can also choose to have the IUD left in as an ongoing method of contraception. The emergency IUD is the most effective method of emergency contraception – less than 1% of people who use the IUD get pregnant.

Woman in a pharmacy talking to a pharmacists about emergency contraception

What is the “morning after pill”?

Using contraception when having sex is always the best way to prevent a pregnancy – you can choose from a range of long term and short term methods. If you've had unprotected sex or your contraception has failed (e.g. you've missed taking a contraceptive pill or the condom has split), emergency contraception can also prevent a pregnancy.

Emergency contraception is often referred to as the ‘morning-after pill’ but in fact it can be used within up to five days of having unprotected sex (depending on the type you are using). It works by preventing or delaying ovulation.

It is important to know that if the morning after pill is taken after ovulation (after the egg has been released from the ovary), it is unlikely to be effective.

We recommend talking to a healthcare professional about this when seeking emergency contraception.

We do NOT provide emergency contraception

MSI Reproductive Choices does NOT provide emergency contraception. As part of your abortion treatment, we'll help you find a method of contraception that best suits your individual needs.

Contraception after an abortion

How does the morning after pill work as emergency contraception?

The ‘morning after pill’ is a progesterone-only hormone pill and works by delaying the release of an egg from an ovary, therefore preventing pregnancy. There is usually just one pill to take. The sooner you take the morning after pill, the greater the chances of avoiding pregnancy.

You can take the morning after pill after having an abortion or miscarriage.

When you need to take the morning after pill depends on the type of pill you are taking.

If you are using Levonorgestrel (also known as Levonelle), you can take the pill within 72 hours (three days) of unprotected sex. However, the sooner it is taken, the more effective it will be.

If you are using Ulipristal Acetate (also known as Ellaone), you can take the pill within 120 hours (five days) of unprotected sex.

The morning after pill and your period

Taking the morning after pill may affect your next period. It can delay your next period, but does not always do so and sometimes your next period can be early. The reason the morning after pill may delay your period is because it delays your ovulation. The delay to your period is usually only a day or two, but may be up to one week.

If you are worried about the delay to your period, or if your period is later than seven days, we recommend that you do a pregnancy test.

How effective is the morning after pill?

The sooner you take the morning after pill after unprotected sex, the more effective it will be.

It is important to know that if the morning after pill is taken after ovulation (after the egg has been released from the ovary), it is unlikely to be effective.

Your fertility returns straight after you take the emergency contraception pill

This is why it is important that you make sure you use a method of contraception until your next period, if you want to be protected against pregnancy.

Where can I get emergency contraception?

You can get emergency contraception for free from:

GPs
NHS walk-in centres
Brook services (for under 25s)
Sexual health clinics
Pharmacies
Some Hospital A&E Departments

Do I have to pay for the morning after pill?

If you're aged 16 or over, you can buy the emergency contraceptive pill from most pharmacies, in person or online. You need to be at least 16 years old to buy the morning after pill online. The cost varies, but it will be around £25 to £35.

We recommend being assessed by a health professional before using emergency contraception.

If you want the morning after pill for future use:

Some organisations may allow you to buy the morning after pill for future use. Check your options with your provider.

To know more about where to get emergency contraception, visit the NHS website here: Emergency contraception (morning after pill, IUD)

Brook's emergency contraception

Brook provides free, confidential relationship and sexual health services for young people. These include contraception, STI testing and treatment, pregnancy testing and choices, counselling and online help and advice. For more information and to find your local service visit Brook's website.

Brook's website

Emergency Contraception FAQs

Does the morning after pill normally delay your period?

It can delay your next period but does not always do so and sometimes your next period can be early.

Why does the morning after pill sometimes delay your period?

Your period may be delayed because ovulation is delayed by the morning after pill.

How long does the morning after pill typically delay your period?

Usually only a day or two but it can be up to one week.

If your period is later than seven days, does it mean you're pregnant?

Not necessarily, but if your period is later than seven days, we recommend doing a pregnancy test.

Is there any reason other than pregnancy that your period would be later than seven days?

There are many reasons. Some people have irregular cycles so it can be hard to predict when the next period is due but stress and weight loss can also affect the menstrual cycle. Other causes include menopause, polycystic ovaries, thyroid issues and diabetes.

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